Do Ball Pythons Need UVB?

Native to the regions that border the southern part of the Sahara Desert in Africa, ball pythons are docile snakes that rarely bite. They are not very large and hence are easily manageable as pets. Ball pythons do not require UV lighting or exposure to a UVB-producing bulb or sunlight.

  1. Light Requirements

    • Like many other reptiles, ball pythons require a photoperiod with 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness each day. You can use timers to set the lighting cycle for your pet to reduce human errors of forgetting to switch the light source on or off. Basking bulbs or household bulbs can be used as the light source. Ball pythons become stressed if they are exposed to light continuously.

    Heating Requirements

    • The enclosure of ball pythons should be maintained at a temperature between 80 and 83 degrees Fahrenheit. While basking spots can be at a temperature as high as 90 degrees, a cool area of not more than 80 degrees should also be maintained. Nighttime temperatures can be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

      You can use ceramic heat emitters or tank heaters to maintain the temperature of the enclosure. However, you need to regulate the electricity consumed and the temperature levels in the enclosure using a thermostat or a rheostat. During the evenings, you may use night bulbs to maintain the temperature levels.

    Measuring Temperature

    • Temperature maintenance is very important to prevent respiratory infections in your pet. You can place a reptile thermometer on the belly of your pet to measure its body temperature. Digital thermometers can be used monitor the temperature of the enclosure.

    Housing

    • One of the most common, as well as attractive, housing methods for ball pythons is aquariums. To house a fully grown ball python, you need at least a 20-gallon aquarium. The bigger the enclosure and the longer the floor space, the better it is for your pet. Ensure that the lid is secure so the snake does not escape from the enclosure. Secure the tank with a sophisticated locking systems and screen lid. Sterlite or Rubbermaid sweater box containers are much more compact than conventional aquariums if you want to house a larger collection of ball pythons. Custom-made enclosures combining the attractive appearance of aquariums along with the advantages of the sweater boxes can also be made using glass or wood.